Sioux94

The NDSU - SDSU game will be an interesting and fun game to watch this year. SDSU really has some offensive weapons.

That will probably be quite the task getting all teams to buy in and be happy, but I hope they figure something out as it would be nice to build some consistency and more options for gear for fans.

Something that I think others have mentioned........if there were reserved spots, but if they were vacant/not being used 4 hours (or whatever made sense) prior to game time, others could fill in and use those spots.

I agree that the OL being so inexperienced last year was a big part of the problem. The first couple of series I remember Studs missing guys badly even though he wasn't really under much pressure. I think he was possibly hurrying things a little because he might have been a little unsure of how good his protection was going to be, even on plays where the protection was ok.

Do you think playing Utah our first game can be a benefit to get our guys even more focused this off season and once practice starts in August? Not that we were over looking Stony Brook last year, but most all felt it would be a tough game but I think we all thought it was a game we would win. We did not look good that game, Studs was off, punt got blocked, just all around did not play all that well. Who knows....maybe some of the guys did over look it a little. I'm hoping with a big game like Utah to start the year the guys are super focused all summer and once practice starts, so that we can come out and play a lot better our first game, kind of like we did against Wyoming.

And here we were all worried you weren't following UND football in the off season.....

Interesting. Maybe they will try and steal Rudy away from us

Some early playoff predictions: https://athlonsports.com/college-football/projected-fcs-playoff-qualifiers-2017

I agree with you to an extent, and it doesn't bother me too much yet if there are some fans that think we were a bit of a fluke. We didn't play very well at times last year that is for sure. We did win 9 games in a row though and should have beaten a Richmond team that was pretty well respected. Granted their QB was out, but the QB that played..played pretty well. We have a lot of returning talent, particularly on offense so if we ended up the year in the final rankings around...what was it...10 or 11.....with a lot of guys returning I feel we should be ranked around there. I see Athlon has us at #5. I can certainly see many fan bases thinking that we are over ranked in that one and I would probably agree. I think we are capable of being a #5 team, but don't think I'd put us there yet to start the year. I guess the good thing about starting out a little higher in the rankings is if we lose a game we won't drop completely out of the polls. Definitely excited for this season!!!

Great last name for a LB!

While we have started to garner some respect within our conference there are definitely others who don't think we are the real deal. There is an 'FCS Football Fans Nation' Facebook page that I recently joined that seems to have some respectable conversation. One of the guys who I think is a Mod and a Griz fan put out his top 25 preseason ranking, he had UND at 14. I saw one person commented on how UND is a paper tiger as we had an easy schedule last year. Which can't get too mad at the guy as we only have ourselves to blame for blowing that Richmond game. We still have something to prove, hopefully our guys can get it done on the field next year.

Gotta love that. Man wasn't that long ago when we were desperately looking forward to getting better and earning some respect and wanting to be considered one of the top teams in the Big Sky. We still have a lot to prove out on the field this year though, and it would be awesome to beat EWU at home this year for the title after their fans were yapping last year about how they were the true conference champs. Who would have thought a couple years ago also, that neither Montana team would be picked in the top 6. Granted this is just one guys predictions, but still.

How about Harris with a pick 6 against an FBS school to start the year and back up some of the high praise and projections from some of the national FCS columnists!

Agreed!!

I agree.....it would totally add to the atmosphere to have people down there and help make the place look and feel more full. Not a great view as others suggested, but also as others suggested good tickets between the 20-50 are hard to come by, if there is a bar down there some people/businesses may find that attractive. Hopefully as the team continues to improve, tailgating outside continues to improve etc.......UND football will be an event and the place to be Saturday afternoons. Plus it is just wasted space, doesn't seem like it could hurt to try it.

Winning a playoff game is a must to be considered a successful season, preferably a second round win at home like you suggest. If we had to play in the first round and won, and then lost in the second round though.....that would be disappointing. While getting a playoff win would be nice....not advancing past the second round wouldn't be able to be considered a success. Winning a third round playoff game, that would definitely be considered a success. If our OL comes together though, we'll all hope for even more than that though.

Kind of wish they didn't change their offensive coordinator and still were more of a running team since stopping the run is where we generally excel. And with their OL having 4 new starters we could possibly give them some fits running the ball, however our ILB's are a little inexperienced as well so we might not be as good against the run this year early in the year as we normally are. But our defensive line can still hopefully cause some havoc and get some pressure on the QB and make him make some poor choices which lead to INT's. Sounds like he was a little inconsistent last year, and with a new offense hopefully they won't be clicking right out of the gate, we'll need to capitalize on those situations when they occur.

For me personally I'd way rather sit anywhere between the 20 - 50 than at ground level in the end zone, just for viewing purposes. But something to consider going forward if we continue to build crowds that are at capacity. And sounds like they are selling well at UCF...and that is some good extra easy money if they sell! Having suite type perks can offset the view.

I would rather have us catch them, pass them, and have them slip.

The fact that he chose UND, and if that's true he was willing to pay his own first year.......means he must really see good things in our school and program. That is great news in general as we continue recruiting battles in the future. Our program is certainly seen in such a better light than it was just 4 years ago.....great job Bubba and staff!

Ok that is what I couldn't remember, if Zimmerman had 2 or 3 years left, thanks. Well that will work out perfect then with Nate sitting out this year and then have 18 & 19 to play.

Yep I know Nate is sitting out this year, just trying to remember if Zimmerman has 2 or 3 years of eligibility left. So Zimmerman is on roster this year, both him and Nate have two years left....18 and 19, or does Zimmerman only have two years of eligibility.....2017 and 2018.

Are you talking about Zimmerman? I thought he was going to be active this year and probably be our #2, I don't think he is sitting out this year is he??

Nice! Finally we are really building some good quality, depth, and competition at the most important position in sports. I can't remember now....does Zimmerman have 2 years left to play....or 3? If he has 3 left they will be battling it out, along with the Boltman the next couple of years to be the starter.

58.7% Completion percentage isn't exactly tearing it up for Stick. But when you have a 20-2 record as a starter you are going to get some recognition even if it's due to having a great team around you.